If there is one thing that can quickly ruin the appearance of an otherwise healthy lawn, it is weeds. Spring is when many lawn weeds become increasingly active. As temperatures rise and rainfall encourages growth, weeds can quickly take advantage of thin or weakened areas of turf.
For Sydney homeowners, spring is an important time to get on top of lawn weeds before they mature, spread and become an even bigger problem during summer.
Why do lawn weeds appear in spring?
Weeds are opportunistic plants. They take advantage of bare soil, thin turf, poor lawn density and favourable growing conditions. During winter, warm season turf slows down and may become less dense. This creates opportunities for weeds to establish.
When spring arrives, both your turf and the weeds respond to warmer conditions. The difference is that weeds can sometimes establish and spread incredibly quickly.
Common lawn weeds in Sydney
Sydney lawns can experience a range of weeds depending on location and conditions. Some common weeds homeowners may encounter include:
- Bindii
- Clover
- Oxalis
- Cudweed
- Capeweed
- Plantain
- Summer Grass
- Crowsfoot
Different weeds require different control methods, so correct identification is important.
What is Bindii?
Bindii is one of the weeds many Australian homeowners particularly dislike. It can produce prickly seed heads that become painful when walked on, especially by children or barefoot adults. This is why controlling Bindii before it produces prickles is so important. If you have Bindii appearing in your lawn every year, spring should be a key part of your weed management plan.
What is Clover?
Clover is a common broadleaf lawn weed. It can spread through a lawn relatively quickly, particularly where turf density is low. Small amounts can sometimes be removed manually, while larger infestations may require an appropriate broadleaf weed treatment.
What is Oxalis?
Oxalis is another broadleaf weed that can appear in lawns. It can be difficult to manage if it becomes established, which is why early identification and treatment can make lawn maintenance much easier.
What about Summer Grass and Crowsfoot?
Not all spring weed problems are weeds that are already visible. As temperatures rise, summer annual weeds can begin germinating. Summer Grass and Crowsfoot are examples of warm season weeds that can become a problem as the weather gets hotter. This is where prevention becomes particularly useful.
What is a pre emergent herbicide?
A pre emergent herbicide is designed to prevent certain weed seeds from germinating and establishing. It is important to understand the difference between pre emergent and post emergent weed control.
A pre emergent treatment is primarily about prevention. It is not designed to remove weeds that are already growing. This is why timing matters - it's always best to apply a suitable pre emergent product in spring before seasonal weed seeds begin germinating. We recommend Lawn Solutions OxaFert Herbicide and Fertiliser which is specifically designed for warm-season turf varieties. This pre-emergent herbicide targets weed seedlings during germination, preventing annual grasses like Winter Grass and Crabgrass from taking hold.
Should you remove existing weeds first?
Yes. If you already have weeds growing throughout your lawn, deal with those weeds rather than relying on a pre emergent treatment to remove them. For common broadleaf weeds such as Clover, Bindii and Oxalis, a suitable broadleaf herbicide may be appropriate depending on the turf variety. We recommend Lawn Solutions Australia All Purpose Weed Control. The convenient clip-on hose attachment ensures effortless application, eliminating the need for tedious measuring and mixing of concentrates. It’s user-friendly and perfect for anyone looking for a hassle-free solution to weed problems.
Why does my lawn keep getting weeds?
If your lawn is constantly full of weeds, the problem may not simply be a lack of weed killer. Look at the condition of the turf itself. A thick, healthy lawn is naturally better at competing with weeds because there is less space for weeds to establish.
Ask yourself whether the lawn is getting enough sunlight, whether the turf variety is suitable for the area, whether the soil is compacted, whether the lawn is being mowed correctly, whether it is receiving adequate water and whether there are large bare patches. Fixing these underlying problems can help reduce future weed pressure.
Can mowing help control weeds?
Good mowing practices can contribute to a healthier lawn. Avoid cutting your grass excessively short in an attempt to make mowing less frequent. Removing too much leaf can weaken the turf and reduce its ability to compete with weeds. Keep mower blades sharp and mow according to the requirements of your turf variety.
Can new turf prevent weeds?
Fresh turf can provide excellent lawn coverage, but new turf can still develop weeds if conditions allow them to establish. Correct soil preparation, appropriate watering, correct mowing and good nutrition all contribute to maintaining a dense lawn. If weeds are already present in the soil before laying turf, proper site preparation is particularly important.
When should I treat lawn weeds?
Spring is an important time to inspect your lawn and develop a weed control plan. Do not wait until summer when weeds have become large and established. Walk over your lawn regularly and look for anything that does not appear to be part of your turf. Early identification generally makes management easier.
A simple spring weed control plan
- Start by identifying the weeds.
- Remove or treat existing weeds using a method appropriate for your turf.
- Improve thin or bare areas.
- Make sure your lawn is being mowed correctly.
- Check irrigation.
- Fertilise once your turf is actively growing.
- Consider an appropriate pre emergent treatment to help prevent seasonal weeds.
- Continue monitoring the lawn throughout spring and summer.
Need help choosing the right turf?
The turf variety you choose can make a significant difference to how your lawn performs. At Greenway Turf Supplies, we supply a range of quality turf varieties including Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo, Sir Grange Zoysia, Zoysia Australis, TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda and Eureka Kikuyu. Choosing turf that suits your property's sunlight, soil, foot traffic and maintenance requirements can help you establish a healthier and more resilient lawn.
If weeds are taking over your Sydney lawn this spring, do not wait until summer to deal with them. Spring is the time to get your lawn dense, healthy and ready for the growing season ahead.
Want to keep weeds under control and your lawn looking its best? Get in touch with us for advice, or visit our blog for more lawn care tips and seasonal advice.
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